What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders, even if the license is valid and current.

The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body, not by the country you plan to visit. If you hold a US driver's license, you get your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). If you hold a Canadian license, you get it from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The document is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you request.

Some rental car companies require an IDP even if local law does not. Travel insurance policies sometimes refuse claims if you were driving without one. Border agents may turn you back if you cannot produce both your home license and the permit together. For these reasons, obtaining one before departure is standard practice for anyone planning to drive abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association, not a separate license, and must be carried alongside your valid driver's license.
  • In the United States, you obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA by providing your current driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $25 in the US and takes one to two weeks by mail or can be issued same-day at some AAA locations.
  • You must renew your IDP if your home country driver's license expires, and the permit itself expires after one or three years depending on the type you purchase.
  • Rental car companies and some countries require an IDP even when local law does not, so checking your destination's requirements before travel prevents problems at pickup or the border.

How to Obtain an IDP in the United States

To get an IDP from AAA, visit an AAA branch office in person or order by mail. You will need your current, valid driver's license; one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches); a completed AAA International Driving Permit process form; and payment. AAA charges $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit. If you explore in person at a branch office, you can receive the permit the same day. If you mail your process, processing takes one to two weeks.

AATA, the other authorized issuer in the US, follows the same process and charges the same fees. Not all AAA branches stock the forms or issue permits on-site — call ahead to confirm your local branch offers this service. If your branch does not, you can order by mail from either organization's national office.

You do not need to renew your IDP every time you travel. One three-year permit covers multiple trips. However, if your home country driver's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired. You must obtain a new IDP when you renew your driver's license.

What Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or prepare your mail process: your current driver's license (must be valid and not suspended); one passport-sized photograph in color or black and white, taken within the last six months; and a completed process form. The form asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and signature. You do not need your passport, proof of travel plans, or hotel reservations.

The photograph requirement is strict. It must be 2 by 2 inches, show your face clearly, and have a plain background. Passport photo services at drugstores, post offices, and photo studios can produce the correct size for $5 to $15. Do not submit a photo from your phone or a cropped snapshot — the process will be rejected and you will have to reapply.

If you are explore by mail, make a photocopy of your driver's license front and back and include it with your process. Do not send your original license — you need it for travel. Include a check or money order for the permit fee. Do not send cash through the mail.

Processing Time and When to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office that stocks permits, you receive your IDP when ready. Many AAA locations can issue the permit while you wait, though some require you to return the next business day. Call your local branch to confirm their process.

If you explore by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and return delivery. Send your process to the AAA or AATA office address listed on the form. Use a tracking method such as certified mail or a carrier that provides tracking so you can confirm receipt.

Plan to explore at least three weeks before your departure date if you are mailing your process. If your trip is sooner, visit an AAA office in person. If you are leaving within days and no AAA office near you can issue same-day permits, contact the AATA directly — some locations offer expedited service, though this may cost extra.

IDP Requirements by Country and Rental Company

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize IDPs issued under the 1926 or 1968 United Nations conventions. The US, Canada, and most other countries issue permits under the 1968 convention, which is accepted almost everywhere. However, a few countries have their own rules. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa require an IDP or an official translation of your license obtained in your home country before departure. Japan, Thailand, and South Korea recognize US licenses for short-term tourism but may require an IDP for longer stays or work-related driving.

Rental car companies often have stricter rules than the countries where they operate. Major chains such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise frequently require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. Some companies will not rent to you without one; others will rent but may refuse insurance coverage if you are involved in an accident and do not have the permit. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before booking to confirm their IDP policy for your destination.

Travel insurance policies vary. Some will not cover driving-related claims if you were not carrying an IDP in a country where it is recommended, even if local law did not require it. Review your policy or contact your insurer before departure.

What Happens If Your License or Permit Expires

Your IDP is valid only as long as your home country driver's license is valid. If your license expires while your IDP still has time remaining, the IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your driver's license first, then obtain a new IDP. The old permit cannot be reissued or extended.

If your IDP expires but your driver's license is still valid, you can renew just the IDP without renewing your license. explore the same way you did the first time: in person at an AAA office or by mail. You do not need to wait until your license expires to renew your IDP if you plan another trip and your current permit is about to expire.

If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas. You must wait until you return home to explore for a new one. For this reason, if your trip is longer than a few weeks and your IDP will expire during your travels, renew it before you leave.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get an IDP in Time

If your departure is imminent and you cannot obtain an IDP before you leave, some countries accept an official translation of your driver's license instead. You can obtain a certified translation from a translator in your home country before departure, or in some cases from your country's embassy or consulate in the destination country. This is slower and more expensive than an IDP, but it may work if the country recognizes translations.

Some travelers skip the IDP and rely on their home country license alone, especially for short trips to countries that do not legally require it. This is risky. Rental companies may refuse to rent to you, insurance may not cover you, and if you are stopped by police, you may face fines or have your car impounded. The IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes one to two weeks by mail — the cost and time are small compared to the risk of driving without one.

If you are renting a car, ask the rental company whether they will accept your home country license without an IDP for your specific destination. Get their answer in writing before you book. Do not assume that because a country does not legally require an IDP, the rental company will accept your license without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP to drive in my home country?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside your home country. It is a translation document, not a license. You must carry your actual driver's license to drive anywhere, including at home. The IDP is only useful when you are driving in a foreign country.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many companies require an IDP regardless of trip length. Some countries legally require it for any driving, even a single day. Check with your rental company and your destination country before booking. If either requires it, you need one even for a one-day rental.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it while abroad. Contact your country's embassy or consulate to ask whether they can issue a temporary document or confirm that your home country license alone is sufficient for the remainder of your trip. When you return home, you can explore for a replacement IDP the same way you applied for the original.

Can someone else pick up my IDP if I explore in person?

No. AAA and AATA require the applicant to pick up the permit in person. You must be present with a valid ID to collect it. If you are explore by mail, the permit is mailed to the address you provide on the process.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document. An International License does not exist as an official document. Some websites or services advertise "International Licenses" — these are scams or unofficial documents that have no legal value. Only obtain an IDP from AAA, AATA, or your home country's official automobile association.